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Why does Avos 5:5 list ten specific miracles in the Beis Hamikdash, like wind never dispersing the smoke columns? The miracles weren't just divine protection of a holy place but demonstrations of Israel's spiritual elevation. Israel's holiness enabled them to stand "komemiyus" like fire reaching skyward, making the Mikdash's sanctity dependent on their spiritual achievements.
This shiur provides a profound interpretation of Shir HaShirim 3:5, focusing on the verse "Who is this that comes up from the desert like pillars of smoke?" Rabbi Zweig explains that this refers to the nations recognizing Israel's greatness as they witnessed the miraculous phenomena in the Beis Hamikdash. The shiur centers on a novel understanding of the famous Mishna in Avos 5:5 listing the ten miracles performed in the Beis Hamikdash, including that no woman miscarried from the smell of holy meat, the holy meat never spoiled, no flies appeared in the slaughterhouse, rain never extinguished the altar fire, and wind never dispersed the column of smoke. Rather than viewing these miracles as divine protection of a holy place, Rabbi Zweig proposes they demonstrate the spiritual elevation of Am Yisrael. The miracle of the wind not overcoming the smoke columns represents Israel standing "komemiyus" (upright) like fire reaching skyward. The protection from snakes and scorpions fulfills the verse "umosachem yihyeh al chayas hasadeh" - your fear shall be upon the beasts - achieved through Israel's holiness in the Mikdash.
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Shir HaShirim 3:5
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Why does Shlomo HaMelech praise Klal Yisrael's spiritual beauty by referencing events like the war against Midian that occurred centuries before his time? These historical moments revealed eternal character traits inherent in the Jewish soul - capacity for faithfulness, purity, and integrity. Each poetic image in the verse points to a defining spiritual quality that transcends any particular generation.
